An American Agriculture Collection with Eye Appeal

Sulky plow footrests in Steve's collection. Countless footrests were scrapped years ago. Today, most of those that survived are in collectors' hands.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

The cast iron base of this Sampson windmill store sample makes it unusual. Such pieces usually have a wood base, Steve says.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Windmill wights march across a shelf. "I would rather see them on a windmill," Steve says, noting that they would then be vulnerable to theft. "It's just a sign of the times," he says.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Phyllis and Steve Renz with some of their collectibles. The ornamental weather vanes shown at top center are typical of those that a wealthy farmer might have owned, Steve says. "Some are really uncommon," he says.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Steve’s buggy rein holders run the gamut from utilitarian to artistic. “Some latch, some are springloaded,” he says. “One even says J.I. Case on it.”

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

The round seat on this Evans planter is not original to the implement. The unit’s original round seat is in another collector’s hands.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Original dealer stencils are clearly visible on the planter boxes.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

This promotion for Adriance, Platt & Co. is printed on a canvas-like fabric. “It’s a very unusual type of advertising medium,” Steve says.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Original hand-painted pinstriping on Steve’s Morrison sulky plow.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Steve has four windmills, including this Model L Baker.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Even the lowly buggy tag captures the elegance of a bygone era.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

This Fuller & Johnson seat is the first seat Steve bought.

Photo by Leslie C. McManus

Steve’s Buckeye mower appears to be fully functional. He hopes to find traces of original paint beneath the relatively new paint that was on the piece when he bought it.